New and Exciting Motorcycle Trends for 2026
The motorcycle industry has been having a bit of a tough go lately. For a number of economic factors, sales were down again in 2025. And yet despite that doom and gloom, the industry is alive with exciting models available now, and new ones set to launch for 2026.
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While a comprehensive list of new or updated bikes would go on for pages, we’ve assembled a breakdown of some of the trends we’re seeing, and highlighting the models that we’re most excited about.
Adventure Bikes… Shrink?
There appears to be no weakening in the ongoing popularity of adventure (ADV) motorcycles. The segment continues to grow with brands like Ducati, Aprilia, Harley-Davidson and Royal Enfield entering the fray in recent years. Legendary names from decades ago like Tenere and Transalp have also made a resurgence.
The best part of the ADV bike category is that manufacturers have listened to customer wishes and launched a breadth of bikes across a broad spectrum of sizes and intended use cases from nimble, near-dirt-bikes, to BMW’s class-leading R 1300 GS (in either standard or Adventure spec). It’s the space in between that’s now filling in with the Kawasaki KLE500 and BMW F 450 GS arriving with a Goldilocks, just-right size, weight and power to tempt even more riders into the segment.
The Chinese (Moto) Invasion Continues
CF Moto has also seen the importance of the ADV bike segment and has added the impressive 1000MT-X utilizing a 947cc parallel-twin. They’re clearly lining up the Honda Africa Twin in their sights, not to mention the KTM 790 Adventure – a model the company knows well given partnership ties between the two companies.
The 1000MT-X is only one of a handful of new models showcased recently from the Chinese-based company. The NK GP is a three-cylinder naked middleweight sport bike that seems to be putting Triumph and Aprilia on notice. Given its impressive equipment list and flamboyant styling, it might have a strong shot at upsetting those two.
Most exciting is the CF Moto SR RR super bike concept that wears wild, active-aero body work, and features a 210 hp V4 engine that shouts through Akropovič pipes. Assuming it makes it to production, there is a distinct possibility that this model will cause some serious disruption at the top echelon of superbikes from Ducati and Aprilia.
What’s Next for Harley?
Harley-Davidson has been particularly hard-hit in recent years, especially in overseas markets where pricey motorcycles are a luxury fewer folks are willing to splash out on amidst a worrying global economy. The Motor Company has a secret weapon in the form of a new President and CEO, and while new boss, Artie Starrs can show impressive growth at his last post as top guy at Topgolf, a past life as an investment banker, and a Princeton education, he has no experience in motorcycles. Clearly the hope is a fresh, industry outsider perspective to shed new light on necessary fixes and opportunities H-D can focus on.
Certainly, among those focal points will remain the challenge of combatting Harley’s primary riders from aging out of motorcycling altogether, and drawing a younger crowd to the brand. There are a handful of models that appear to be discontinued for 2026, but it’s too soon to be certain what the lineup will include since Harley-Davidson typically announces it at the start of the year, so stay tuned.
High-Tech Honda
While Honda showing off its engineering wizardry is nothing new, their latest announcement is still very intriguing. The V3R concept was revealed recently, featuring a V3 engine displacing 900cc’s, and backed by an electric supercharger. Honda claims the mid-sized engine will deliver 1200cc thrust, while being lighter, compact, and efficient. Honda has dabbled with the unconventional V3 format in the past with legendary bikes like the NS400R, but they were two-strokes, and the electric supercharger in the V3R is sure to mean a fat (and flat) torque delivery curve, too.
At the polar opposite end of the spectrum, Honda is also doing its part to lure in new riders by adding its E-Clutch technology to the entry-level Rebel 300 cruiser. The smallest Rebel was already a popular choice for many new riders with its approachable weight and low seat height, but by eliminating a rider’s need to operate a clutch when shifting, it’s sure to help new riders get comfortable in the saddle quicker.
Old Meets New
For most of us, buying a motorcycle is a hugely emotional decision, which is why nostalgia can be a major factor in selling bikes. It only stands to reason that retro styling and design language continues to be a popular driving force for new, or refreshed models. Although the “new” Royal Enfield Bullet 650 is about as honest and original an interpretation of a classic bike as you can get, other companies continue to hone their retro-inspired machines, keeping the riding experience contemporary, while the looks harken to a celebrated time in the company’s past. Triumph is updating its Bonneville family with lean-angle cornering ABS and traction control (Kawasaki is updating its Z900RS similarly), plus they’re bringing the not-quite-so-retro-looking Trident 800 model.
Last year Yamaha offered up the sensational XSR900 GP dolled-up with fairings meant to emulate the classic Marlboro race bike from years ago. This year they’ve shown it with the iconic Kenny Roberts’ yellow-and-black livery, making us ache for it even more. Unfortunately it is not currently planned for America. Even though Roberts is American. Go figure.
Meanwhile Suzuki is giving us the retro-inspired version of its GSX-8 in the form of the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT. Both receive a round headlight, with the TT also getting a bikini-fairing too. The color-ways offered are fun and exciting. And not to be outdone, Honda’s new CB1000F might have the Hornet 1000’s mechanical bits, but here it resembles a 1970s CB750F, replete with silver-and-blue paint scheme. Yes please!
MV Augusta’s BIG News
MV Augusta made waves at EICMA 2025 with the unexpected appearance of a five-cylinder ‘CinqueCilindri’ engine concept. Developed to be used across multiple segments – from supersport to naked and touring – it is said displacement can range from 850cc to 1150cc, with the platform being capable of delivering over 240 horsepower at more than 16,000 rpm, all while maintaining exceptional smoothness in a compact package weighing less than 132 pounds.
All of this is good news for those of us who love riding since it means the manufacturers are doing everything they can to keep giving us more variety of formats and exciting designs to suit any rider’s wants.
Jeff Wilson
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